The [[Genroku period]] ([[1688]]-[[1704]]) is generally cited as marking the beginning of kabuki's development into its mature form. The period saw numerous innovations by some of the most famous and influential figures in early kabuki history, including playwright [[Chikamatsu Monzaemon]] and actor [[Sakata Tojuro I|Sakata Tôjûrô I]] who pioneered the softer ''[[wagoto]]'' style of acting which later grew to form the core of [[Kamigata]] (Kyoto-Osaka) kabuki. [[Yoshizawa Ayame I]] is celebrated as a pioneering ''onnagata'', and [[Ichikawa Danjuro I|Ichikawa Danjûrô I]] created the bold ''[[aragoto]]'' style of acting which would later come to form the core of the aesthetics of [[Edo]] kabuki. [[Ichikawa Danjuro|Ichikawa Danjûrô]] remains the most prestigious name in kabuki today, and the innovations of the first Danjûrô set the stage for the bold makeup, costumes, ''mie'' poses, and movements that have come to so define kabuki. Danjûrô is also, perhaps erroneously, credited with the invention of the ''mawari butai''. | The [[Genroku period]] ([[1688]]-[[1704]]) is generally cited as marking the beginning of kabuki's development into its mature form. The period saw numerous innovations by some of the most famous and influential figures in early kabuki history, including playwright [[Chikamatsu Monzaemon]] and actor [[Sakata Tojuro I|Sakata Tôjûrô I]] who pioneered the softer ''[[wagoto]]'' style of acting which later grew to form the core of [[Kamigata]] (Kyoto-Osaka) kabuki. [[Yoshizawa Ayame I]] is celebrated as a pioneering ''onnagata'', and [[Ichikawa Danjuro I|Ichikawa Danjûrô I]] created the bold ''[[aragoto]]'' style of acting which would later come to form the core of the aesthetics of [[Edo]] kabuki. [[Ichikawa Danjuro|Ichikawa Danjûrô]] remains the most prestigious name in kabuki today, and the innovations of the first Danjûrô set the stage for the bold makeup, costumes, ''mie'' poses, and movements that have come to so define kabuki. Danjûrô is also, perhaps erroneously, credited with the invention of the ''mawari butai''. |